Director Milap Zaveri Reveals: “John Abraham Didn’t Speak to Me for Months After Satyameva Jayate 2 Flopped – My Love for Him Backfired”
John Abraham’s impactful performance in *Satyameva Jayate* firmly established him as a force in action cinema. However, its sequel, *Satyameva Jayate 2*, failed to match its predecessor’s success, as its ambitious approach fell flat with audiences. Director Milap Zaveri recently opened up about this challenging period, revealing that John distanced himself for two to three months after the film’s release, saying, “The love I had for him backfired.”
In a candid chat with Siddharth Kanan, Zaveri took full responsibility for the film’s shortcomings. He admitted he may have become overly focused on showcasing John in a way that ended up working against them. Zaveri once referred to John as his “Ram” while considering himself as “Hanuman,” emphasizing his deep admiration. Reflecting on this, he said it might have come across as trying too hard to amplify John’s character, which didn’t translate well on screen.
Zaveri shared that he had high hopes for John, seeing him as a powerful star, even comparing him to legends like Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan. In his eyes, John was a heroic figure capable of incredible feats. He aimed to highlight John’s versatility in action, dance, and delivering dialogues, driven by a strong belief in his potential. Unfortunately, Zaveri noted that this fervor may have created unrealistic expectations, and John seemed to feel the weight of the film’s reception deeply.
During the two to three months post-release, John became reserved, communicating sporadically. Zaveri tried to reach out, and John later explained that he was disappointed, having invested much into the film’s outcome. The distance, however, did not sever their connection; the two eventually reconciled, with John expressing willingness to work together again.
Zaveri shared that he has already penned a powerful action script for John, hoping for a chance to bring it to life. Although their relationship may have changed, Zaveri remains optimistic about future collaborations, acknowledging both the highs and lows they’ve navigated together.